It's a lopsided deal, talent-wise, even taking into consideration
the way people tend to overrate Jefferson. But
it's a necessary deal, in Milwaukee's eyes, as
Jefferson is due over $29 million over the next two seasons, on a team with
little upside and no real reason to pay a luxury like Jefferson
to stick around.

Bowen and Oberto's contracts are not guaranteed for 2009-10,
so they'll immediately be cut by the Bucks and possibly end up back in San Antonio. Thomas has
one year left on his deal, but he's also strong trade bait due to his veteran
savvy, length, and his cheap and expiring contract. Even if the Bucks hang onto
him for all of 2009-10, the deal will save them about $6.4 million next
season (allowing for Bowen and Oberto's partial guarantees), and $15.2 in 2010-11. To say nothing of luxury tax savings yet to be
determined.

All because, about this time last year, the Bucks shot for
the lower rung of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

They traded for Jefferson, something
that left me "awfully confused" at the time, and most expectations for the
trade panned out. Soon after, the team made an awful deal to secure Luke
Ridnour's rights, entering the season with a massive payroll that topped off
just under $70 million, winning just 34 games in an injury plagued season.

Now, this team would have been fighting (and, though you'll
laugh and I hate to admit it, possible passing) the Chicago Bulls and Detroit
Pistons for a lower rung playoff spot had Michael Redd(notes) and Andrew Bogut(notes) stayed
healthy. The team had won 47 percent of its games when Redd tore his ACL, and a 47.6 winning percentage put Detroit in the playoffs.
More minutes for Ramon Sessions over Ridnour in that second half could have
possible put the team over the top, as most Scott Skiles teams start slow and
finish strong.

But what's the point? They could have won half their games, with a $70 million payroll? At
some point, you have to start over. And "starting over" doesn't mean retaining
a .500 team, or tarting it up with add-ons like Jefferson or Ridnour.

With the possible Jefferson
deal in place, the Bucks might finally be on their way toward a proper
rebuilding program.

The Spurs? You'd like to see a better payoff for all those
expiring and unguaranteed deals, but if Jefferson is the reward, this means
Vince Carter(notes) isn't on the block (for that price, at least), or that San Antonio does not
want. And it's still a damn good reward, especially if Bowen finds his way back
to Texas.

Jefferson is a solid player, a fine defender, and should be
perfectly at home as an at-times fourth option in the San Antonio attack. He can hit the baseline
three-pointer (I'd support this with some statistics culled from NBA.com, but the Hot Spots program doesn't appear to be
working right now), which makes him perfect for San Antonio's drive and
kick offense.

Taking on Jefferson does mean San Antonio will pay the luxury tax next
season, as the Spurs will be over $70 million in payroll with only nine players
on board, once they decline Marcus Williams' option. Luxury tax concerns once
forced the team to deal Luis Scola(notes) to the Houston Rockets, but with Tim Duncan(notes)
possibly on his last legs, owner Peter Holt is likely out to pay for a winner,
and he should get kudos for that.

We'll have more on the deal, and reaction to any others that
may come down the pike, as the week moves along ...